Properties of Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose
CMC is a cellulose derivative with a glucose polymerization degree of 200-500 and an etherification degree of 0.6-0.7. It is a white or off-white powder or fibrous substance, odorless and hygroscopic. The degree of substitution of the carboxyl group (the degree of etherification) determines its properties. When the etherification degree is above 0.3, it is soluble in alkali solution. The viscosity of the aqueous solution is determined by pH and degree of polymerization. When the degree of etherification is 0.5-0.8, it will not precipitate in acid. CMC is easily soluble in water and becomes a transparent viscous solution in water, and its viscosity varies with the solution concentration and temperature. The temperature is stable below 60°C, and the viscosity will decrease when heated for a long time at a temperature above 80°C.
The scope of use of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose
It has various functions such as thickening, suspending, emulsifying and stabilizing. In beverage production, it is mainly used as a thickener for pulp-type juice beverages, as an emulsification stabilizer for protein beverages and as a stabilizer for yogurt beverages. The dosage is generally 0.1%-0.5%.